The consulate calls us in for an interview just after one. With my limited french not helping very much, we do manage to convey where we will be staying an the reason for our visit to the Congo DRC.
His secretary reminds me that the British Embassy recently turned her application down, yes down. But luckily the consulate had dropped his stamp on the paper and with a signature we became work in progress, please return in one hour.
The morning had been interesting there had been an intense 2.5 hr storm, the thunder so loud it had set all the car alarms off. A motor cyclist swam past the embassy window as his bike was swept away.
We had an interesting conversation with a French Journalist setting up a new office on the other side of the Congo river in Kinshasa.
Jean Marc http://www.visafrica.org
update soon
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( 3 / 118 )George and Martins have now spent 3 nights in the Congo the people are great, friendly, the road and the weather are not nearly so good.
Tonight they hope to reach Brazzaville where they will try again to get there remaining visas.
Thank you Keith.
We spent another night up a logging track and after two dry nights the tent is begining to dry out.
Yesterday we enjoyed showing our passports etc to the Police, Immigration and Gendarme, although what the difference between them is im not sure. The following town also had all three posts to check our details again. Such a friendly nation and with so much time to spend with us. But this does delay progress on the road.
There isn’t always a bridge to hand.
We managed to pick up a hitchhiker on the roof for most of yesterday as well, and so that he didn’t get too bored we to joined him for various moments. Some of the best photo opportunities can be taken from the roof, but you do have to hold on.
These butterfly’s have been quite a sight on the side of the road.
We made it to Brazzaville with time for an embassy visit.
We were told at the Hippo Hotel (where they let over Landers camp for three, if they eat in), that you must dress up or the Congo DRC embassy staff will turn you away. A quick cold bucket wash and the cleanest shirt and jeans I could find and off to the Embassy.
Too late to submit an application but a young lady gave us our homework in forms to fill in and return tomorrow at 10.00
We learn that Jean and Hannely have been making good progress and should join us tomorrow night.
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( 3 / 101 )158 miles achieved today, 117 in deep sand.
This border was the cleanest, most friendly border we have come across. Because the roads are so difficult there is not much traffic.
Ivan and Maureen Jacklin had given us a Bible printed in French and this morning talking to our Christian, immigration officer it seemed appropriate he should have this gift.
The bridges don’t get any better, but its quite a relief, when you reach the other side.
Quite a few spectators to watch the crossing.
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( 3 / 105 )Many of the bridges have potholes in front of them, but with the recent rains, it is difficult to tell how deep they are. Some you could call axle breakers. A slow approach is a wise one.
Leaving the Gabon was a very easy business. Gabon for us had been brief, the towns of Fransville and others very welcoming.
The sand ruts are deep now as we approch the Congo border of Akou.
The filling stations sometimes require a little help.
The bridges require research
The wild flowers quite beautiful;
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( 2.9 / 102 )The Gabon appears a much friendlier country although we did encounter two very tricky roadblocks. For 18 roadblocks and only two bad ones that isn’t bad. We were asked for driving licence, insurance, carnet, passport, fire extinguisher, medical records, in the end I got the computer out and provided the dates of every vaccination received for the last ten years. He was after a 5000.00 cfa fine. Eventually on our way having met at this stop, two French families that live out here. One lady was English and her sister from Colchester.
Good to pass the equator
Max, Michelle, Marie Paul, Martins and Dawn.
These friendly people we followed for a few miles and exchanged details. Max who works with Total in Libreville said if we need any help at all, give him a call. They showed us our next turn off, and we said our goodbyes.
The Day was bright and sunny, but in the evening as we opened up our soggy tent, the rain started all over again.
Stayed in a borrow pit 1.5 hrs after Lope S00 29.482 E12 05.187
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